05 Aug Keep Your Clothes On! Streaking Can Be a Felony in Arizona
Streaking—or running naked through a public place—is a common type of dare.
Some people even place bets on whether a streaker will show up during the next Super Bowl. But whether it happens during a drunken moment, as a dare, or as a way to haze new members of a club, we firmly suggest keeping your clothes on. Not only can streaking be embarrassing, it is also illegal. In Arizona, streaking can lead to an arrest and even a felony conviction.
Streaking Can Be Charged as Indecent Exposure in Arizona
Streaking across a sports field, through a crowded park, or even a short run across a college cafeteria can land you a felony.
How? Well, streaking is classified as indecent exposure.
Arizona law defines “indecent exposure” as the action of a person exposing their genitals, anus, or nipples (if female) to another person who would be reasonably offended or alarmed by the act.
For example:
A nipple being exposed to feed a hungry baby is NOT indecent exposure.
Removing your clothing to jump naked into a public fountain IS indecent exposure.
Indecent Exposure may be a Felony
The consequences of a conviction for indecent exposure always depend on the circumstances. In some cases, indecent exposure is only a misdemeanor. However, if any of the victims are under the age of 15, it turns the misdemeanor into an automatic felony. That’s why streaking is usually a felony—public places like sports arenas and parks typically have children present.
If the victim is over the age of 15, the charges are a class 1 misdemeanor.
Conviction can mean:
- Up to 3 years probation
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
If there are several prior convictions, the charges are upped from a misdemeanor to a class 6 felony.
Conviction can mean:
- Minimum of 3 months to over 5 years in prison
- Fines up to $150,000
- Possible registry as a sexual offender
If the victim is under the age 15, indecent exposure is a class 6 felony.
Conviction can mean:
- A minimum of 3 months to over 5 years in prison
- Fines up to $150,000
- Mandatory registration as a sexual offender
Multiple convictions of indecent exposure, where the victim is under 15, the charges are upped to a class 3 felony.
Conviction can mean:
- Anywhere from 2 to 25 years in prison
- Fines up to $150,000
- Mandatory registration as a sexual offender
If Facing a Felony, You Need a Criminal Attorney
Being convicted of any crime can have a huge impact on your life, but a felony conviction means having to go to prison and losing certain civil rights, like the right to vote. You might also face difficulty finding work, housing, or maintaining relationships after a conviction.
That is why you need strong representation during a criminal trial. Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but you do not want to be stuck with an overworked public defender who does not have the time to properly defend your case.
Todd Coolidge has over 25 years of experience successfully defending criminal cases in the Arizona courts. He believes that every case is important and deserving of his personal attention.
Don’t leave your future to chance—if you are facing felony charges, call us today to request a consultation.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (8/3/25). Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash